---

This is National Newspaper Week, and even though there are those who want to signal the death knell of the industry, we do not.
If you are reading this, or any of the stories and advertisements in this edition, then you have an appreciation for newspapers. You realize that in most communities the newspaper is the only way to learn about who has died, who's getting married, who made the honor roll or dean's list, who is serving in the military. It's where to go to know what your city and county governments are doing, and what charity fundraisers are scheduled.
You pick up the paper for many reasons, from sports scores to classifieds to weather to community news. People get mad at us, become disappointed in us. They call when their papers are late or when unfavorable news is published. They go to our website to comment on stories we post, and the comments are both kind and unkind.
National Newspaper Week is a time to appreciate the role our profession plays. Newspapers are not disappearing. Yes, times are tough, and many, including ours, have suffered. But while it's a challenge, newspapers are here to stay.
The form they take may change, but the basic function and role won't. Newspapers are growing in readership. We are finding new ways to reach consumers. Overall revenues are down, but so are expenses.
Our commitment to local reporting and community news has not changed. On any given day, most of what people know about their community started from a newspaper story. Most of the real watchdog reporting today is still being done by newspapers, not from blogs or destructive websites.
We take our First Amendment role seriously. Newspapers are still doing the stories that make sure that the public's business is done in the open.
Newspapers remain a remarkable value. They can be delivered to your home for pennies a day and remember, you can't put a TV story or radio broadcast on the refrigerator or in a scrapbook.